Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Forty-Nine

Friday Evening's Dinner Party

It was after lunch on a cold Friday afternoon when the guests arrived at the Thanturnam Estate for the weekend party. Talia and Josie welcomed their friends and greeted the parents. The household was a buzz as the boys had moved their belongings to the bunkhouse, and they saw guests to their rooms.

Servants had set up cots in the various bedrooms. Talia had Myrna's cot moved into her room, and she insisted Agnes stay with her during her last night as a single woman. Myrna and Talia helped Agnes unpack her luggage and hang up her dresses.

"Agnes, this dress is beautiful," said Talia, admiring the burgundy and gold dress that Clarice had fashioned for her.

"I think it turned out rather nice," said Agnes, smiling.

"Mum, this will be perfect for tomorrow night," said Myrna.

"Oh Talia, I am so glad you insisted I come this weekend. Cleo, Lady Prudence's personal maid, and I rode in the carriage like ladies with the Huntley's. Are you sure I shouldn't go downstairs and help unpack out food baskets?"

"Nonsense. You are my guest this weekend. I like how Clarice did your hair. It makes you look younger."

"That woman fussed over me for three days. She even made me take a bath and wash my hair in the middle of winter. Have you ever heard of such foolishness? It is a wonder that I didn't catch my death of cold."

"Ladies, I need to get you ready before I go down to help serve," said Myrna.

For the next hour, Agnes told the girls about the last three days and all the preparations that went into getting her ready. Myrna listened as she brushed Talia's hair gently, leaving the long, dark red hair in cascades of waves from her braid. She added a lavender ribbon and pulled some strands loose around her face.

Talia slipped into her new lavender dress and added her jewelry. She added perfume and oiled her hands before putting on her rings. Agnes undressed from her traveling outfit, and Myrna hung everything up in the armoire next to Talia's clothes.

With the help of Myrna, she put on her new navy-blue dress. Then, Myrna attached the lace collar and the lace cuffs to the dress. Talia pinned the red ruby brooch at the neckline and stepped back to admire Agnes.

"Agnes, you actually have a figure in that dress," said Talia.

"It is the corset that Clarice made me wear," said Agnes. "Along with the petticoat, chemise, and stockings."

The girls laughed as Agnes fussed with her dress.

"I think you look very nice," said Myrna. "I will see you both later."

Talia helped Agnes finish with her perfume, and she rubbed some sweet almond oil into her hands.

"You look so nice. Thank you for coming this weekend. It means the world to me to have you here. Let's go downstairs. I want to introduce you to some people."

Talia and Agnes walked downstairs to join the guests, who were already in the foyer enjoying cocktails. Talia spotted Calvin talking to Rupert, and she walked towards them.

"Calvin, I would like to introduce you to my friend, Agnes," said Talia. "Agnes, this is Calvin, our head groomsmen."

"Nice to meet you, my lady," said Calvin. "Could I get you a refreshment this evening? What would be your pleasure, Ma'am?"